Lament for Scotland

I got very angry yesterday and I nearly vowed online never to read "The Economist" ever again. I love "The Economist". It condenses the news brilliantly and covers even the darkest news with balance. Having lived overseas a lot it was a godsend in the world of limited context. But today's leader "Lament for Scotland" has puzzled and angered me. First of all I don't see the point of the article. There is no news here or purpose to the article other than a childish dig at Scotland. It perpetuates the lie that Scotland is subsidised by England to the tune of £1000 per year. I know. I've met the guys that started the lie and they don't care about keeping that lie in the public mind. It suits their ends and it maintains the union. They must have been laughing their socks off that they've fooled even The Economist. The Economist is above all of this. If I want bitter, unsubstantiated lies I'll go buy a copy of "The Mail".

I'm in Edinburgh now at the www2006 conference and Jack McConnell's opening speech has put me in a better mood. To anyone upset yesterday by the Economist yesterday, bide your time. Scotland is still unique in the value it brings the world per capita and that isn't going to stop just because the Economist says so.